Nature — we assume to be something out there. Some of us spend a great deal of time in nature, some of us are almost completely disconnected from nature.
I interpret nature a bit differently, and I would like to describe what I mean by Nature² (or "square"):
- A dilemma with our current society and way of life is that we are fundamentally encouraged to conform to expectations and project and image of ourselves. However, we don't spend enough energy and focus on who we really are, deep inside, what is our own nature.
- We have also become disconnected from our relationship with Nature (in a bigger sense). We have become so abstracted from the natural world that provides us life that we have difficult to understand our relationship and our inter connected dependency on Nature.
In the context of personal growth and leaderhip, I believe these are the foundational building blocks that shape both who we are as individuals and our ability to sense and act in the world.
The good news is that this is all within our control.
- If we live to fulfil the expectations of others and project and image of ourselves to the worldl — Then, by shifting focus inwards, to what's important to us and who we really want to be, we are likely to find a great deal of peace, confidence and satisfaction.
When I coach people, and I guide to understand what's important to them personally, what truly matters in life — Typically, it boils down to very simple things such as family, relationships, adventure, fun, impact, peace. Once you develop that clarity, it becomes a lot easier to prioritise, make decisions, find focus etc. in life. This directly contributes to our ability to lead ourselves and others. - Similarly, if we feel like life keeps throwing us off track and that we are not in control — Then, by reconnecting, being more mindful and present, physically and emotionally, to our relationship with Nature, it may bring a different sense of perspective and control (that also influences other parts of our life).
This can be more multidimensional. On the one hand, there is ample evidence of the physical and emotional benefits of spending time in Nature, as well as being emotionally connected with nature. However, also as we reinforce our mental presense and relationship with nature, it tends to strenghten our ability to sense the world around us (not just in nature, but also in a family or working context), and attune our ability to make carefully considered decisions.
